The Royal Fishponds Archive
Welcome to the Royal Fishpond Archives, a repository for documents relating to the past, present, and future of the three royal fishponds of Moʻi Wahine Kalanimanuiʻa: Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau, Loko Iʻa Opu, and Loko Iʻa Paʻakea. Please click “The Archive” link to begin browsing, or load preexisting collections using the “Useful Tags” link. This archive was made possible by a generous grant from The Cooke Foundation, Limited, and remains a work in progress, so please excuse any errors or gaps. (Photo by Anna Marie G. Gonzaless, U.S. Navy)
The royal fishponds
The reign of Kalanimanuia, Moʻi Wahine (Queen) of Oahu, is remembered as a period of peace and prosperity. She made her capital in the ahupuaʻa of Kalauao along the fertile shores of Puʻuloa, and is credited with the construction of three royal fishponds: Loko Iʻa Paʻakea in Waimalu and Loko Iʻa Opu and Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau in Kalauao. During Kalanimanuiaʻs reign, these three fishponds helped to nourish the people of the Oʻahu and their leaders.
Although Loko Iʻa Opu was filled in during the 20th century, Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau and a portion of Loko Iʻa Paʻakea still exist today, centuries after their construction. While the proliferation of development associated with plantation, military, and economic development have destroyed most pre-1900 sites in ‘Aiea, Kalauao, and Waimalu, these fishponds continue to stand as a precious link to the people who lived in these ahupua’a before Annexation.
How to use this archive
- Archives: Go here to browse and search through our collection.
- How to use
- Useful tags: Go here to browse some curated selections from our collection.
- Contribute to the Archive: Our archive is still growing and we are actively looking to add materials to our collection. Do you have a familial link to the royal fishponds–e.g., did you grow up around them, or did your ancestors gather sustenance along their shores? Or, perhaps you have materials you think would add value to our collection? Please contribute them here.